Africa will have a record 10 representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after DR Congo secured qualification, confirming an additional slot for the continent.
DR Congo booked their place with a 1–0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in Tuesday’s intercontinental play-offs, completing Africa’s lineup for the expanded tournament.
The increase follows FIFA’s decision to grow the World Cup to 48 teams, which raises Africa’s allocation from five to nine automatic spots, with an extra place coming through the play-offs.
Cape Verde will make a historic first appearance at the tournament. With a population of around 525,000, the island nation ranks among the smallest countries ever to qualify for a World Cup.
Morocco and Tunisia are the most experienced sides in the group, each heading into the competition with seven previous appearances.
Qualified African teams:
Senegal
Morocco
Egypt
Ghana
Algeria
Tunisia
Côte d’Ivoire
Cape Verde
South Africa
DR Congo
